Knights' annual convention gathers hundreds

Intermountain Catholic

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Bishop John C. Wester (standing) received checks totaling more than $10,000 from the Knights of Columbus for diocese-wide ministries such as vocations and pro-life efforts. Knights of Columbus State Deputy Robert Massé, Jr. (left) presented the checks. SEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON THE INTERMOUNTAIN CATHOLIC FACEBOOK PAGE. IC photo/Marie Mischel

SANDY — The Knights of Columbus Utah State Council Awards Banquet, held May 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sandy, was an evening of recognition for many charitable undertakings across Utah. One of the most noteworthy recognitions, however, was the final speech of Supreme Director John P. Wainscott, who is completing his second four-year term on the Knights’ national board of directors.

The worldwide Catholic fraternal service organization began in Utah 112 years ago, it now has more than 3,200 members in the state.

Among those who attended the banquet was the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, who said that he admires the Knights and their wives for their service, generosity and good stewardship.

"But I think it can all be boiled down in many respects to your fidelity," the bishop said. "You’re faithful to your commitments. You’re faithful to the Church and to your country and to one another.... It’s the kind of example that our children – that all of us – need."

As the keynote speaker, Wainscott reminded those present that "Charity is the first lesson that you learn when you become a Knight. Ideally, this should be the first thing that people think about when they hear the word and the term Knights of Columbus."

The Knights’ lives of charity must be matched by lives of faith, he added. "Taken together they can enable us to change the world."

In closing, Wainscott thanked his wife, Linda, and family members for their support. "We get to plan birthdays, weddings and family celebrations around Knights of Columbus events. Sometimes we wait three weeks for a birthday, or longer.... What has amazed me is that Linda has missed [only] one meeting in those nine years, and that was to help with a newborn grandchild."

The 2013 award winners follow.

To Be A Patriot Award: Fr. Dominguez Assembly #1144, Flag Retirement Ceremony

Church Award: Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal #14399, Fr. Michael J. McGivney Stained Glass Window

Community Award: Bishop Hunt Council #5214, "Friday Night Bingo"

Council Award: Bishop Hunt Council #5214, Thanksgiving & Christmas Holiday Baskets

Family Award: Our Lady of Lourdes #9731, All Soul’s Day Dinner & Bonfire

Culture of Life: Fr. Joseph Valine Council #11246, Walk For Life

Youth Award: Mother Teresa of Calcutta #12181, Detention Center Rosary

Knight of the Year: Eddie Springer, Bishop Hunt Council #5214

Family of the Year: Daniel Montague Family, St. Thomas More Council #11479

Utah Knights of Columbus Endowment Scholarship 2013: Kennedy A. Lopez and Alysa F. Edwards, Juan Diego Catholic High School seniors, each received a $1,000 scholarship.